Day 5: TGIF

Thanks to all who came out for Back to School Night last night!

This morning, after watching the announcements, the students went to music with Ms. Thomson.

When they returned to class, it was time to switch for math for the first time this year.

Once my new math students had settled in, I introduced myself and reviewed how I run my math block.  Briefly speaking, the students are split into 3 groups that are flexible...meaning, I can, and will, change group assignments on a regular basis, to best met the needs of all learners.  The students will rotate through three tasks; small group instruction with me, math with a partner, and technology.  Math with a partner will usually be a hands-on way to practice new skills while engaging in math discourse with their partner(s).  Technology will involve either a flipped lesson (instruction via the computer) or an online practice game/activity...sometimes, both!

Today, during the small group instruction, we focused on the difference between a digit and a number, and using periods to help us read multi digit numbers within 1,000,000.  During math with a partner, the children played a spinner game to create multi-digit numbers, and then practiced writing the in standard, expanded, and word form.  Finally, during the technology rotation, the children watched a Learn Zillion lesson about place value and took notes in their math journal, using a format I provided.

Since this was our first math session, we did not get to all three rotations AND the students did not complete any of the rotations they began. 

After math, the students enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess.

When we returned to class, the children had a few minutes to complete their morning work.  Then they worked indpendently, o several tasks, while I continued to conduct informal reading assessments with individual students.

First, the children watched an introduction for ONOW (Our Neighborhood, Our Watershed) and answered two questions in GC - Science.  After that, they  watched a Learn Zillion lesson about writing simple sentences (hopefully, a review) and took notes on the common mistake and core lesson, in their writing journal.  Next, they watched an orientation video for our school Media Center and posted two rules they need to follow in GC - reading.  Lastly, they read a book using an online app called MyOn.

After our literacy block we attended an instrumental music assembly to hear about the program.  Look for information in your child's home folder this evening.

Finally, we ended the week with a formal class meeting.  First we each shared our favorite part of the first week of school.  Then I answered some of the questions, written by the students this morning.

Enjoy the wonderful 3 day weekend!!